Why do Farmers Abandon Jatropha Cultivation? Case from Mexico

Jatropha belongs to the flowering plants that have been known for biodiesel production. It has been intensively promoted for renewable energy source in tropical areas worldwide. For the last decades many projects of jatropha has been implemented in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In which most of its purpose is to reduce energy dependency, sustainable development and greenhouse gases emissions. Oil from this plant is converted into biodiesel and used for diesel engines. Also, its protein-rich product used for fish and animal feeds as well as on high quality organic fertilizers. Recently, profitability and viability of jatropha declined and unexpected low yield as well as lower price for the seed. But labor and maintenance costs of the fields still the same that is why cultivation of jatropha slows down. The aim of this research is to assess different factors affecting farmers on jatropha cultivation in Chiapas Mexico.

Production of Jatropha in Chiapas Mexico

Plenty of small farmers cultivate jatropha to improved livelihood productions. Yet, in recent years many of them discontinue planting due to some reasons. Such as, socio-economic, environmental and institutional factors motivating decisions of the farmers to discontinue the production. The Chiapas Government provides subsidy to the farmers including seeds and seedlings as well as technical assistance for the maintenance. Between 2007-2011 52% in Chiapas Mexico planted jatropha yet, about a year after abandonment of plantations is rampant among farmers.

As a results farmers perceived that cultivation of jatropha will not offer good economic benefits. Because it is just a waste of time, costs of labor, energy, land and financial resources. However, wealthy farmers adopt the cultivation and have access to develop new technologies. But those who received subsidy from the Government are relatively poorer which tend to abandon the cultivation. The occurrence also of pest and diseases is the other factors that motivate farmers to abandon the cultivation.

In addition, incentive payment, lack of profitability of the crop, commercialization and wealth status are important factors that makes the farmers decide to abandon jatropha cultivation. Therefore, this research may be helpful for future implementation of bioenergy. Not only in Mexico but to several places worldwide where similar programmes of jatropha production have been implemented. It is very important to evaluate the trade-offs between cost and gains of the farmers. Particularly the accurate calculation of cost benefits analyses that a farmer can make. So that it would prevent abandonment of plantation and to ensure continuity of the farmers.